faq – K9Lifeline

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most commonly asked questions regarding boarding your pet. Don’t see the answer you’re looking for? Email us at info@k9lifeline.dog, text us at (801) 712-1159, or call us at (801) 272-1159

  • What vaccination records do I need? Is my dog's Rabies tag enough?

    We require proof of current vaccinations for rabies, distemper, and parvovirus (DAPP or DHPP). We also require a fecal test annually to reduce the risk of introducing intestinal parasites like giardia and coccidia to our facility. If your dog tests positive for any intestinal parasites, we will need them to treat and retest before coming in. We also highly recommend a bordetella vaccine to help reduce the risk of your dog contracting kennel cough and reduce the intensity of the infection if it is contracted.

    A rabies tag is not sufficient for proof of vaccinations. We will need a dated record for any vaccinations or tests required for our services. You can email these to us ahead of time, upload them through your client portal, or bring in a paper copy, but we will turn away anyone without these records for the safety of all dogs in our care.

  • What is the difference between "standard," "shadow," and "extra care" boarding?

    The difference in reservation price is relevant to how much specialized care each dog needs.

    Standard boarding is for dogs who are off leash in social. Whether they are on muzzle or off, these dogs are trustworthy and need only basic supervision in the room. Those who are off leash in social but need to go potty by themselves will fall under this category.

    Shadow boarding is for dogs who are part of our shadow program; that is, they are brought into socials on leash with a handler and given additional support to make good choices and learn social skills.

    Extra care boarding is for dogs who require expert care. These dogs require expert handlers, significant medical attention, or extra physical help to have a good stay.

    If you do not know which category your dog falls into, please ask! We'd love to let you know.

  • What is a "shadow" dog?

    A shadow dog is a part of our shadow program. This means that they will be led into social on-leash with a handler as a supportive shadow. The handler will help guide them in their interactions, help them learn social skills and boundaries, and observe their growth. As your dog's skills improve, they may be given chances to come off-leash and even go out to potty with the group. If they do well and our senior staff get to know them and trust them, they may eventually graduate from our shadow program!

    Every shadow dog is given at least two chances per day to participate in socials with the other dogs. The better their social skills get, the longer these socials will be.

  • How long is my dog out socializing?

    We have two social periods per day that last approximately 3 hours apiece. Dogs who are off-leash in social will most likely stay out this entire time, with breaks in between for potty and rest.

    Dogs who are off-leash in social but cannot potty with the group will be put in kennels before the group goes outside, pottied separately, and then brought back out into the social group.

    Dogs who are on-leash in socials to develop their social skills will be given two shorter socials with a handler, and longer individual potty breaks to have some time to stretch their legs and one on one time with staff.

  • How often does my dog get to go potty?

    All of the dogs are let out for their first potty break between 7:00 am-8:00 am every morning. All dogs will have a potty break in between socialization every two hours throughout the day until the last potty break between 8:30 pm-9:00 pm.

  • What should I bring when I board my dog?

    We require proof of current vaccinations for all dogs in our facility, either digitally or in hard copy. We ask that you bring your dog's regular food, as well as any medications or supplements they take, in a hard sided and resealable container. We will provide any necessary bedding, bowls, leashes and toys for your dog's stay, so please leave those at home! If you have scheduled a VIP activity for your dog and have a specific item you would like to be used, please let us know at drop off or call ahead.

  • Do I have to bring food for my dog during boarding?

    Yes. Please bring your dog's regular diet in a hard sided and resealable container (no zip-top bags, please!) with enough for an extra day or two in case of an emergency. If your dog runs out of food, we will gladly feed them our house food (Nature's Domain Salmon and Sweet Potato recipe) for an additional $5 per meal.

  • Can I bring pre-cooked or raw food?

    Yes. We have many clients who feed their dogs fresh or raw food. We have a refrigerator and freezer to keep everything fresh while they are here.

  • Can I bring my dog's food in the original bag?

    No. We are located near a hill where mice, ants, and other pests live. Plastic, paper, and composite bags allow pests to get at your dog's food and bring them into our facility. Please bring your dog's food and any medication in a hard sided and resealable container.

  • I already keep my dog's food in a large plastic container. Can I just bring the whole container?

    Please bring a container just big enough for the amount of food your dog will need, plus one to two days extra. We do not have unlimited space for food storage!

  • Do I need to bring a bed/blanket for my dog while he/she stays with you?

    No. We will provide cots and blankets to keep your dog comfortable.

  • Do I need to bring bowls?

    No. We have bowls and prefer that you leave your bowls at home so they do not get mixed up with ours.

  • Can my dog have toys in the kennel?

    No. For safety reasons, leave your dogs' toys at home.

  • What are the drop off and pick up times?

    Drop off and pick up hours are:

    Mon-Friday: 8:00-10:00 am or 4:00-7:00 pm

    Sat-Sunday: 4:00-6:00 pm only. We do NOT have a morning drop off or pick up Saturday or Sunday.

    If you have scheduled a VIP activity during your dogs' stay, you are welcome to drop off and pick up anytime between 8:00 am and 7:00 pm weekdays or between 1:00 pm and 6:00 pm Saturday and Sunday.

  • What size are the kennels my dog will be sleeping in?

    We have a variety of kennels to accommodate your dog's individual needs. The kennel will be large enough for them to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably.

  • Can my dogs sleep together in the same kennel?

    For safety reasons we generally do not allow dogs to board in the same kennels, but we can make sure that your dogs are boarded next to each other or across from each other so they can remain close, if they are in the same boarding group.

  • Can I request my own appointments online?

    YES! We have a program called Gingr that allows you to request reservations for Boarding and Daycare. Training appointments will still need to be done the old fashioned way (email, phone or in person).

    Requests may take up to 24 hours to process, so try to get your requests in as early as possible.

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